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We survey some results relating noncommutative geometry to the class field theory of number fields. These results appear within the context of quantum statistical mechanics where some arithmetic properties of a given number field can be realized in terms of the structure of equilibrium states of a quantum statistical mechanical system.

We survey some results relating noncommutative geometry to the class field theory of number fields. These results appear within the context of quantum statistical mechanics where some arithmetic properties of a given number field can be realized in terms of the structure of equilibrium states of a quantum statistical mechanical system.

Connection of Path Integral to Classical Statistical Mechanics Consider �exible string held under constant tension and con�ned to �gutter� potential...

A four part series of lectures on the connection of statistical mechanics and quantum field theory. The general principles relating statistical mechanics and the path integral formulation of quantum field theory are presented in the first lecture. These principles are then illustrated in lecture 2 by a presentation of the theory of the Ising model for $H=0$, where both the homogeneous and randomly inhomogeneous models are treated and the scaling theory and the relation with Fredholm determinants and Painlev{\'e} equations is presented. In lecture 3 we consider the Ising model with $H\neq 0$, where the relation with gauge theory is used to discuss the phenomenon of confinement. We conclude in the last lecture with a discussion of quantum spin diffusion in one dimensional chains and a presentation of the chiral Potts model which illustrates the physical effects that can occur when the Euclidean and Minkowski regions are not connected by an analytic continuation. (To be published as part of the Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Theoretical Physics Summer School of the Australian National University which was held in Canberra during Jan. 1994.)

A four part series of lectures on the connection of statistical mechanics and quantum field theory. The general principles relating statistical mechanics and the path integral formulation of quantum field theory are presented in the first lecture. These principles are then illustrated in lecture 2 by a presentation of the theory of the Ising model for $H=0$, where both the homogeneous and randomly inhomogeneous models are treated and the scaling theory and the relation with Fredholm determinants and Painlev{\'e} equations is presented. In lecture 3 we consider the Ising model with $H\neq 0$, where the relation with gauge theory is used to discuss the phenomenon of confinement. We conclude in the last lecture with a discussion of quantum spin diffusion in one dimensional chains and a presentation of the chiral Potts model which illustrates the physical effects that can occur when the Euclidean and Minkowski regions are not connected by an analytic continuation. (To be published as part of the Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Theoretical Physics Summer School of the Australian National University which was held in Canberra during Jan. 1994.)

I contrast the profound differences in the ways in which algebra and analysis are used in physics. In particular I discuss the fascinating phenomenon that theoretical physicists devote almost all their efforts to algebraic problems even though all problems of experimental interest require some methods of analysis.